Harney County wildfires explode amid lightning storms, evacuations underway

HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A dangerous surge of wildfire activity is unfolding in Harney County, where multiple fast-moving fires have exploded in size following a wave of lightning storms and extreme heat.

Several large fires — including the Coleman Creek, Second Flat, Jackass Butte and Bald Mountain fires — are burning across vast stretches of land, forcing Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations in some areas and stretching firefighting resources thin. Additional fires, including the Stubble, Crater and Dairy fires, are also keeping crews busy as conditions remain volatile.

State leaders have stepped in as the situation intensifies, with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act. Fire behavior has been driven by wind, dry fuels and continued hot temperatures, raising concerns about further growth and new fire starts.

While some fires are seeing progress, others remain largely uncontained, threatening rural communities, key roadways and access routes throughout the region.

KTVZ News is tracking what this means for Central Oregon, including potential impacts to air quality and travel.

For a closer look at the fires I’m covering, where evacuations stand and what crews are facing on the ground, watch KTVZ News at 6 p.m., when Tracee Tuesday brings you a full report from Harney County